Reducing Poverty – An idea takes root and All For Africa is born

The companies began, very quickly, to see that the right combination of investment in the social infrastructure and the creation of meaningful employment resulted in dramatic improvements in the quality of life, and most importantly, in the sustainability of these improvements. The discipline of the for profit sector forced the development of extremely efficient mechanisms for delivering focused social investment.

These experiences inspired the leadership to create a not for profit enterprise with the goal to replicate – within a much wider constituency – the sustainable development of social infrastructure necessary to improve lives. Thus All for Africa was born.

While working with a wide group of not for profit organizations around the continent, each with a similar goal, All for Africa recognized that the primary difference in the social impact of the for profit initiatives and the not for profit initiatives was one of sustainability. Without a continuous source of profits to draw upon most public sector and non profit programs rely on one time investments that often fail as the local population lacks the means to continue the funding of on going operational expenses. All for Africa’s mission was now clear!

All for Africa develops business models within the not for profit arena. These models are designed to generate long-term sustainable revenue streams to fund the operational expenses of the many organizations already doing excellent work on the ground.

In keeping with this model, Palm Out Poverty (POP) was launched as All for Africa’s flagship campaign.  The Palm out Poverty program will provide significant long-term sustainable economic impact while also serving as a foundation for considerable continent wide benefits relating to poverty reduction, illness prevention and education.

Working with Herakles Farms, All for Africa is planting one million oil palm trees on approximately 17,000 acres of land in West Africa.  Once mature, the trees will yield approximately 300,000 barrels of sustainable crude palm oil each year for the next 35 years. POP is being developed, built and managed with sustainable and environmentally sound practices and policies. The project is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil and is committed to promoting local community engagement.

As well as providing direct positive local and regional impact, the Palm Out Poverty Initiative is expected to create $700 million dollars in long term funding generated through the production and sale of palm oil. These funds will be utilized to develop programs and build capacity for community level projects in clean water, community health, education, energy, micro-financing and skills training/livelihood creation.

This month, All for Africa is celebrating the Annual “INTERNATIONAL PALM OUT POVERTY” week from Sept. 28th through Oct. 4th. We have an incredible week of events to raise funds for this worthy initiative while simultaneously showcasing the artistry and cultural diversity that Africa offers. Kicking off the week is the Drive Out Poverty Golf Tournament. We will also launch a viral dinner party campaign with Chef Marcus Samuelsson as well as an evening of Art and Education. We close POP week with the POP Festival. The POP Festival will feature Questlove of the legendary group, The Roots as DJ. Hosting the event on Oct. 4th at Slate will be Sahr Nguajah who currently stars in the Broadway hit, FELA! Also performing will be the FELA! dancers who will show us how to shake it: African style! We have also secured several pieces of art from the Museum of African Art which will anchor the silent auction available at the POP Festival.

All for Africa considers embracing and celebrating African culture as an integral component in our primary fundraising goals. Having knowledge and understanding of African culture and artistry promotes interest, participation and genuine empathy which fuels and sustains the Palm Out Poverty initiative.